George braced himself as the ship heaved once again with a deep, shuddering groan - an echo of George's spirit as he faced breaking the news to his wife.

Gretjen looked up as George approached, her ashen features pinched with worry. Searching her husband's face with misty blue eyes, she already knew the answer.

"We are far off course," George confirmed, repeating what the captain had explained, "Your father needs to know."

Great crystal tears tumbled ...